Wednesday, August 31, 2005

25th. Anniversary of Solidarity

Today, Poland marks the 25th. anniversary of the birth of the Solidarity movement that toppled Communism in that country (and set in motion the forces that toppled Communism in Russia). From Yahoo News:

The day of speeches and concerts is to be capped with a Mass honoring Polish-born Pope John Paul II at the Gdansk shipyards. The late pontiff is credited with inspiring Poles to resist the communist regime. At the Vatican Pope Benedict XVI praised Solidarity as a "breath of a new spirit" that changed Europe. "May God bless all those who are committed to promoting social justice and the good of workers," he said in comments in Polish to tens of thousands of tourists and faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for his weekly general audience. President Bush sent a statement recognizing Solidarity's "vital and important contributions to the spread of liberty. As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Solidarity movement, we are reminded that all people are entitled to choose their form of government and their leaders," Bush said. "Those striving for democratic rights need our support, and they can look to Solidarity as a shining example of liberty and justice."